Verdict Defied gloomy pre-season predictions with a good start, but lost Yohan Cabaye in January and Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew appeared to lose the ability to motivate his players. Not an awful season, but a depressing one as the limit of their ambition seems to be mid-table in thePremier League.

Best moment The home victory over Chelsea back in November was a classy performance which suggested Newcastle would be challenging for Europe again.

Worst moment To lose 3-0 at home to Sunderland once is bad enough, but to do it twice in as many years with a disorganised and unmotivated rabble was a painful humiliation.

Player of the year Loic Remy. Having failed to sign him in January, Newcastle took Remy on a season-long loan from Queens Park Rangers and without his goals Pardew’s side would have struggled badly. Newcastle want to sign him permanently, Remy wants to join Arsenal instead. He will leave a vast hole in Newcastle’s squad.

Transfers rated 2/10 At the route of their troubles. The terrible appointment of Joe Kinnear as Director of Football last summer saw them sell French international Cabaye and fail to make a single permanent signing in two transfer windows.

Best quote “It wasn’t a headbutt, I tried to sort of push him away with my head.” Alan Pardew immediately after the game in which he headbutted Hull City midfielder David Meyler.

This summer they must... Rebuild the squad and repair the damage done to the relationship between the club and its supporters. Given the hostility towards him, it is hard to see Pardew being the manager who oversees such a major project, but it is far from certain he will go.